Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks

97.3%Acceptance

$15,944Tuition

1,887Students

24%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$63,435Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks

Penn State Berks serves as a branch campus where students can start their Penn State journey in a more intimate setting. With 1,887 students on a suburban campus in Reading, this location offers the Penn State brand with smaller class sizes and a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. The campus operates as a feeder into the larger Penn State system while providing its own undergraduate degree programs. Nearly all applicants gain admission with a 97% acceptance rate, though students typically score around 1190 on the SAT.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $24,581 annually, while graduates earn a median of $63,435 ten years after starting college. However, the 24% six-year graduation rate means many students don't complete their degrees here. Those who do graduate carry a median debt load of $25,000 with monthly payments around $265.

The student body leans male at 58% and reflects Pennsylvania's diversity with significant Hispanic and Asian populations. Only 154 students participate in the 12 Division III sports programs, keeping athletics low-key. Most concerning is the 77% retention rate, suggesting one in four students transfer or leave after freshman year.

Academics & Faculty

Penn State Berks operates as a branch campus of the larger Penn State system, offering undergraduate degrees with small class sizes. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means students get more individualized attention than they would at the main campus. However, the 24% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees here. The campus serves as a stepping stone for students who want to transfer to University Park or other Penn State locations after their first two years. With 1,887 students, Berks functions more like a community college environment within the Penn State framework. Students can access Penn State's academic reputation while receiving more personalized instruction in Reading's suburban setting.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 75.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 29.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 24.4%
Retention Rate: 77.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $63,435

Campus Life

Penn State Berks sits in Reading, about 65 miles northwest of Philadelphia, where students navigate typical Pennsylvania winters with heavy coats and boots. With housing for 805 students and total enrollment of 1,887, roughly 43% of students live on campus in a close-knit residential community. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name rather than ID number.

Campus life revolves around small-scale activities that build tight friendships. Students gather for NCAA Division III athletic events, where 154 student-athletes compete across 12 varsity sports without athletic scholarships. Weekend activities often include trips to nearby Kutztown University for larger social scenes or drives to Philadelphia for city experiences. The suburban Reading setting provides chain restaurants and shopping centers within walking distance, though many students with cars explore the broader Berks County area. Students describe the atmosphere as supportive rather than competitive, with study groups forming easily in residence halls. Campus traditions connect students to the broader Penn State system while maintaining the intimate feel of a branch campus.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 805 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

28 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Fondling	10	9	0
Dating Violence	2	2	0
Rape	2	1	0
Aggravated Assault	0	0	1
Stalking	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–38°F
July Avg: 65°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 45.2"
Annual Snowfall: 27.2"

Student Demographics

Penn State Berks draws students primarily from Pennsylvania and surrounding regions who want the Penn State name with a smaller campus feel. The student body reflects the diverse Reading area, with strong representation across racial and ethnic groups. Men slightly outnumber women, typical for a branch campus that attracts students interested in business, engineering, and other traditionally male-dominated fields. Nearly 30% receive Pell Grants, showing the campus serves working-class families seeking an affordable path to a Penn State degree. Most students come from households earning under $75,000 annually.

Men: 58.4%
Women: 41.7%
White: 59.9%
Black: 8.2%
Hispanic: 14.6%
Asian: 9.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 28.7%

Location

Penn State Berks sits in Reading, Pennsylvania, about 65 miles northwest of Philadelphia. The campus enrolls 1,887 students in this large suburban setting that blends city amenities with college accessibility. Reading offers a mix of urban resources and small-town feel, with historic architecture and proximity to Pennsylvania Dutch country. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment despite being part of the larger Penn State system. The surrounding area provides internship opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, and business sectors. Housing capacity reaches 805 students on the suburban campus. Students considering colleges in Pennsylvania may also compare Penn State Berks with similar schools in the region.

Address: Reading, Pennsylvania 19610-1016

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $63,435
Median Earnings (5 years): $72,964
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $43,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 67.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks?

Penn State Berks accepts 97.29% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1190. This branch campus serves as an accessible entry point into the Penn State system for students in the Reading area.

How much does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $24,581, with students typically borrowing $25,000 over their college career. Only 28.73% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the campus's role as an affordable regional option within the Penn State network.

What are class sizes like at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks?

The student-faculty ratio is 13:1 across 1,887 enrolled students. This branch campus emphasizes small class sizes and personalized attention compared to Penn State's larger campuses.

What are the graduation rates at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks?

Only 24.40% of students graduate within six years, with a 29.05% four-year graduation rate. Many students transfer to other Penn State campuses or leave for career opportunities, as evidenced by the 95.7% employment rate and $63,435 median earnings after ten years.

Where do students live at Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks?

The campus houses 805 students in residence halls, serving a suburban Reading community. With 77.48% of students returning each year, the campus maintains a close-knit atmosphere despite being a commuter-friendly branch location.

Does Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks offer athletic scholarships?

The campus offers $0 in athletic scholarships across 12 NCAA Division III sports with 154 total athletes. Division III athletics focus on student participation rather than recruitment, fitting the campus's emphasis on accessible education over high-profile sports programs.